Numerical defects in CD8+CD28− T-suppressor lymphocyte population in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are organ-specific autoimmune diseases leading to an attack of auto-aggressive lymphocytes against the pancreatic β-cells and central nervous system, respectively. Using four-colour flow cytometry, T-lymphocyte populations having an important function in autoimmune processes were analyzed. T-regulatory cells (Treg) CD4+CD25+CD127low, T-suppressor cells (Ts) CD8+CD28−, activated helper CD4+CD25+CD127+ and cytotoxic CD8+CD25+ T-cells and also naive CD4+CD45RA+ and memory T-cells CD4+CD45RO+ were compared in the group of patients with T1D (n = 30), MS (n = 31) and in the group of healthy controls (n = 29). Significant differences in Ts cells, activated helper and cytotoxic cells and also memory T-cells were recognized in the group of T1D patients compared to healthy controls. Ts population was significantly lowered in MS patients as well. However, no significant differences were noticed in Treg population. The observed data demonstrate significant differences among patients with T1D and MS in comparison to healthy individuals.